Kingman Letter: Ride of Silence fast approaching

The Ride of Silence is fast approaching. On May 16, for the 5th year running, bicycle riders of varied ages and abilities will gather for this event that honors bicyclists who have been killed or injured while riding on public roadways.

The 5-mile ride is slow and done in silence. On the third Wednesday in May at 7 p.m. local time, riders from around the world strap on their helmets and participate in honoring fallen cyclists, as well as raising awareness, in hopes of preventing future tragedies. Arizona Department of Transport figures indicate there were 19 fatalities in 2010, as well as over 1,500 injuries as a result of bicycle roadway accidents.

The Kingman Police Department and Kingman Fire Department will escort our riders along the route. Helmets are required, and those participating must sign waivers for themselves and their minor children.

We meet at 6:45 at the Kingman Academy of Learning Middle School, 3269 Harrison, and the ride begins promptly at 7 p.m. All levels of riders are invited to participate, though riders younger than 10 years of age are discouraged.

Whether you ride with us, or give us a nod as you see us pass by, the hope is that both bicyclists and motorists will have a heightened awareness and respect for each other and the rules of the road. For more information see: rideofsilence.org.

Thank you in advance to the community, the Kingman Police Department, the Kingman Fire Department, the Fire Department Honor Guard and the Kingman Academy of Learning for their support.